Fort Myers 86 Exceptional
Fort Myers Livability #14 ranked city in Florida#383 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
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Fort Myers, FL - The City of Palms

Living in Fort Myers, FL offers a coastal lifestyle with a rich history and vibrant community. Known as the 'City of Palms,' Fort Myers is famous for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and welcoming atmosphere. The city’s downtown River District is a hub of activity, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions set along the scenic Caloosahatchee River.

Fort Myers’ dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants to international cuisine in cozy bistros. The city’s annual Edison Festival of Light is a major event, celebrating the legacy of Thomas Edison with parades, live music, and community activities. The nearby Edison and Ford Winter Estates provide a glimpse into the lives of two of America’s greatest inventors, offering tours, exhibits, and beautiful gardens.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Fort Myers provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s beaches, including Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The nearby Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve offers scenic boardwalks through wetlands, providing a peaceful escape into nature. The city’s parks, including Lakes Park and Centennial Park, offer facilities for sports, picnics, and family gatherings.

Fort Myers is also known for its strong sense of community and family-friendly environment. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Downtown Car Cruise-In and the ArtFest Fort Myers, which bring residents together to celebrate and enjoy the cultural richness of the area. The local schools are well-regarded, making Fort Myers an attractive place for families.

For those considering a move to Florida, Fort Myers offers a perfect blend of coastal beauty, cultural vibrancy, and modern amenities. Whether you're drawn by its beaches, historic sites, or community events, living in Fort Myers, FL provides a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle.

Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Myers

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Nothing Found Nothing Found

    There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.

What's it like Living in Fort Myers?

Fort Myers is a medium-sized city located in the state of Florida. The city has a population of 85,270 residents. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Fort Myers, only 50% of the population is married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Fort Myers, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 24 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Fort Myers, Florida. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Fort Myers and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Florida and national averages.

Fort Myers, FL receives 85/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #20 in Florida and #405 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Fort Myers ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Fort Myers has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Fort Myers has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (A-) and housing (A+).

Fort Myers has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Fort Myers has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Fort Myers: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Shell Factory & Nature Park, and Magic Wind Adventure Sailing.

The Fort Myers unemployment rate of 2.6% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Fort Myers market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Fort Myers is actually affordable. The median home price for Fort Myers homes is $437,418, which is 46% higher than the Florida average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Fort Myers, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6, which is 42.9% higher than the Florida average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fort Myers

See all the best places to live around Fort Myers

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Compare Fort Myers, FL Livability

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      Fort Myers transportation information

      Statistic Fort Myers Florida National
      Average one way commute24min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work74.5%79.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool12.4%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.3%2.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.0%1.5%2.8%
      Working from home5.6%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Fort Myers, FL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.